Web Desk: Bangladesh has been excluded from the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after the International Cricket Council approved Scotland as a replacement, Indian media reported.
The decision follows Bangladesh’s refusal to play its World Cup matches in India due to security concerns, triggering a dispute that escalated into administrative and financial consequences.
According to Indian media reports, Scotland has been slotted into Group C of the tournament, alongside Nepal, West Indies, Italy and England.
Following the change, observers expect Group C fixtures to become more competitive, while Scotland gains another opportunity to showcase its progress on the global stage.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s request to the ICC’s dispute resolution committee was rejected. The committee ruled that the matter did not fall within its jurisdiction, effectively closing the door on immediate relief for the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
As a result, the ICC moved forward with the revised tournament lineup.
The controversy began when Bangladesh declined to play its World Cup matches in India, citing security issues. Bangladeshi officials sought to relocate their fixtures from Kolkata and Mumbai to Sri Lanka, a proposal that failed to gain approval.
The standoff intensified amid rising diplomatic and sporting tensions between the two countries.
Tensions further escalated after Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders released Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. In response, the Bangladeshi government imposed a ban on IPL broadcasts within the country, Indian media reported.
The move added a political dimension to what had initially been a scheduling and security dispute.
The decision could cost Bangladesh an estimated $27 million, or roughly 32.5 billion taka, in lost revenue. At the same time, the ICC has launched an investigation into possible political interference in the matter.
If it is determined that government pressure influenced the decision-making process, Bangladesh Cricket Board officials could face suspension, sources familiar with the process said.
The ICC has yet to issue a detailed public statement outlining the timeline for the investigation or any potential disciplinary measures.
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